Cruise Liners Increase Safety Changes Since the Concordia Sinking

Cruise liners increase safety is an under statement since I traveled last year and practically new the drill but this time on the same ship Radiance of the Seas its a whole different kettle of fish. The drills before sailing were similar but in more detail. You needed to give cabin number and the occupants names. Last time it was a tick beside your statesroom number.

The crew were running to the drill as if you were not on time you would get into big trouble this was the very words that the cabin boy used. And the drills went on even when we were on tours on land with lowering boats into the ocean and the crew playing a big part in the smooth running of the practice evacuation. For me there can never be enough cruise liners increase safety measures ever!

Concordia Sinking reason for Cruise Liners Increase Safety

Dori Saltzman, News EditorCruise Critic wrote…
“Immediately after the Costa Concordia tragedy, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) created a Global Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review to inspect the safety practices of the cruise industry and suggest improvements. In the almost 12 months since the accident, the review board has suggested 10 changes. All were accepted by the industry and implemented.”

Now that I have my sea legs and have been on numerous cruises on the first cruise I remember thinking as I walked back to my statesroom and looked at the carpet half dreaming that the sea water would be lapping at my door like it did in Poseidon movie and already wished that I had lost weight before the cruise so I could save the day like Shelley Winters did in her under water scene.

Just goes to show though how the mind works. Of course it was my imagination going wild and plus I was a little nervous but not anymore. But I can really appreciate the terror and confusion the night that Concordia went aground. I am especially thrilled that all cruise liners increase safety changes especially as the liners are getting so much bigger now a days.

Here’s how cruise liners increase safety

Passenger Muster. The first safety policy change to be mandated after the Concordia disaster was announced in February, less than one month after the accident. Under the new policy, all ships must conduct muster drills before departing from port.

Common Elements of Musters and Emergency Instructions. Four months later, the cruise industry adopted a policy dictating the 12 common elements that must be included in all muster drills. Among the required elements are: when and how to don a lifejacket; description of emergency signals; location of lifejackets; location of muster stations; emergency routing systems and more.

Recording the Nationality of Passengers. Implemented at the same time as the muster common elements policy, this rule requires the nationality of each passenger onboard be recorded and “made readily available” to search-and-rescue personnel.

Bridge Access. As part of a three-policy sweep in April, cruise lines also agreed to adopt stricter rules regarding bridge access, particularly during “restricted maneuvering or when increased vigilance is required.” Such times can include when a ship is entering or leaving a port, while sailing through narrow or shallow waterways or in areas of unusually high vessel traffic.

Excess Lifejackets. Part of the same three-policy change, ships must now carry more life jackets than are legally required. Legally, ships are required to carry a life jacket for every berth, which can be higher than the number of persons onboard, plus five percent. As a result of the policy, the number of additional lifejackets must not be less than the total number of persons staying within the ship’s most populated section.

Passage Planning. The third policy adopted in April augments international law that requires ships to create and file a voyage plan before setting sail. Language in the new policy explicitly requires for the plan to be “drafted by a designated officer and approved by the master” well in advance of the sailing.

Life Boat Loading for Training Purposes. Adopted in September, this policy requires cruise ship crewmembers must practice launching and loading lifeboats at least once every six months to ensure familiarity with lifeboat operations. Drills must be performed while at sea and lifeboats must be filled to capacity with crewmembers and maneuvered in the water.

Location of Lifejacket Stowage. Part of another three-policy announcement, this one in November, this policy complements the Excess Lifejackets policy and requires that extra life jackets, equal to or greater in number than required by law, must be stowed in close proximity to either muster stations or lifeboat embarkation points on all newly constructed ships — defined as those for which the building contract is placed on or after July 1, 2013.

Harmonization of Bridge Procedures. The second of three policies announced in November dictates that operating procedures on cruise ship bridges must be consistent not just between ships within a fleet but among commonly owned brands, as well.

Securing Heavy Objects. The third November policy mandates that all cruise ships must always secure heavy objects either permanently or during severe weather. Such objects can include, but are not limited to, pianos, televisions, treadmills, slot machines and laundry equipment. Cruise lines must also perform routine shipwide inspections to ensure such objects are secured properly.

Just goes to show that cruise liners increase safety now and I feel so sorry for the passengers that lost their lives aboard the Concordia, and ask the question has this changed your mind about cruising now and would you still go on a long cruise on a large ship?